Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Separable-fastener or required component thereof – Including member having distinct formations and mating...
Reexamination Certificate
2001-08-20
2003-06-03
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3677)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Separable-fastener or required component thereof
Including member having distinct formations and mating...
C024S583100, C024S656000, C024S666000, C411S338000, C411S339000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06571436
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The invention pertains to a holding clip for mounting functional elements on a bolt, in particular, on a longitudinally ribbed plastic bolt.
2. Reference to Related Art
Holding clips of this type usually contain a receptacle body for the bolt with several opposing holding lamellas that are offset in a step-shaped fashion, wherein the holding edges of the lamellas which are directed toward the center firmly adjoin the bolt wall (see DE-PS 34 08 612).
DE 199 32 862 A1 describes a similarly acting holding clip for mounting on a longitudinally ribbed plastic bolt. In that case, flexible support legs that protrude transversely downward are integrally formed onto a lower edge of the receptacle body. The support legs are spread apart when the holding clip is pressed down onto the bolt and generate a counterpressure which ensures that the holding edges engage into the bolt ribs.
In order to properly attach these prior art holding clips, it is important that the holding clip is pressed down onto the bolt to a sufficient degree. The question of whether the clip is pressed down onto the bolt “to a sufficient degree” solely depends on the subjective opinion of the assembler. Depending on the force exerted while pressing down on the clip, it is possible—for example, when the mounting points that are not clearly visible—that the bottom of the holding clip does not contact the bolt. In such instances, the clip will loosely tumble on the bolt resulting in it becoming free and separating from the bolt.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Consequently, the present invention is based on the objective of designing a holding clip in such a way that the assembler is provided with a reliable indication of a correctly performed mounting process. Preferably, this objective is attained by extending a flexible rod transversely over a receptacle chamber that is integrally formed onto one side wall above the holding lamellas. The free end of the flexible rod extends up to a point that is situated slightly underneath a projection on the opposite side wall. The receptacle chamber is covered by a transverse wall slightly above the rod. A free rod end audibly impacts on this transverse wall after it has passed the projection during the insertion of the bolt.
It will be appreciated that the audible impact of the rod might not be sufficiently loud in light of the general noise level in an assembly hall. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment, an upwardly protruding hammer-like tab is integrally formed onto the upper side of the rod a short distance before its free end. Additionally, a corresponding recess is provided in the transverse wall above the tab. The tab engages into the recess through the rod when it passes the projection. Therefore, the assembler is, in addition to perceiving an audible impact, also able to sense the engagement of the hammer-like tab in the recess with the tip of his or her thumb.
The sensation of this confirmation of a properly performed mounting process can, according to another characteristic of the invention, be intensified by dimensioning the height of the tab such that the tip of the tab protrudes from the upper side of the transverse wall by a short distance after it engages into the recess. In addition to intensifying the impact on the tip of the thumb, the protruding tip visually indicates that the web has passed the projection.
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A. Raymond & Cie
Gifford, Krass, Groh Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Jackson André L.
Swann J. J.
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